Fall Colours Writing Retreat in Algonquin Park, Sept 16 – 18

Give yourself three days of writing time. Three
days of instruction, inspiration and creativity. Award yourself with time away
from distractions, with no dishes to do and wonderful food at every meal,
as you sit with your feet up and write in the most beautiful wilderness setting
in Ontario. This is where the Group of Seven got its inspiration (Tom Thompson
is buried just a couple of lakes over); it’s a wonderful place for you to find
your inspiration, too.

The retreat will feature both instruction and guided writing
exercises, plus one-on-one critiquing and coaching from Brian. You’ll
also have lots of time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your
creativity.

All writing levels welcome. Whether you are just beginning or
have a novel in progress, please join us. The setting: Arowhon Pinesis
a peaceful, quiet resort nestled in the woods on Little Joe Lake inside
Algonquin Park. There are no motorboats on the lake, except for the resort’s
own pontoon boat which takes guests on occasional wildlife tours.

The resort is without TV and is far from the roar of traffic.
The cry of a loon is the loudest noise you’re likely to hear all day.

Rates include charming accommodation(cabins
have a mix of queen beds for one person or couples or twin beds for two people
rooming together; rooms also have private bathrooms and each cabin has a lounge
with fireplace to share with your fellow writers).

Three all-you-can-eat gourmet meals per
day are provided, featuring an abundance of fresh food prepared by master
chefs and an inspired kitchen staff. (Bring your own wine or beer!)

All activities included. When you’re not writing or
for spouses who accompany you, there is plenty to do: canoe or kayak a series
of lakes or hike trails to see wildlife (moose, loons, beaver, turtles, fox,
deer), swim in the lake, sail, stand up paddleboard, play tennis, relax. For
indoor activities there is a games room with table tennis, shuffleboard, books,
board games. Your stay also includes access to all Algonquin Park programs and
activities including a car pass for you to fully enjoy the park.

Check-in isn’t until 3 p.m., but guests can arrive in the
morning to fully take advantage of the facilities (though the meals included in
your package don’t begin until after check-in time, so lunch on Friday is extra
if you arrive early). Each guest can borrowa day pass for Algonquin Park. The formal retreat will
begin late Friday afternoon. On Sunday morning, we’ll have our last formal
get-together ending at 12 noon. Check out time is at 1 p.m. Most guests
have lunch while the bellhops load the car. But once you’ve had lunch, don’t
feel you have to rush off!

Participants are welcome to bring spouses, partners or friends,
as there will be plenty to do while you’re writing – canoeing, kayaking or
sailing, swimming if warm enough, tennis, reading and just plain resting and
unwinding, enjoying the wilderness.

Instructor Brian Henry has
been a book editor and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He
publishesQuick Brown Fox, Canada’s most popular blog for
writers, teaches creative writing at Ryerson University and has led workshops
everywhere from Boston to Buffalo and from Sarnia to Saint John. But his
proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get their first
book published and launch their careers as authors.

Read two reviewsof our
fall writing retreat at Arowhon Pineshere.
To see more reviews of Brian’s weekly courses and Saturday workshops, just
scroll down the page.

Accommodation fee: 540 per person either single-
or double- occupancy for the two nights. (Arowhon has kept their 2015 rates for
us – about 5% off the new rate, and there is no single supplement!) Plus 15%
service charge (in lieu of tipping, no extra tipping allowed), then 13% hst
added to these rates.

Everyone interested in developing their writing skills is
welcome to attend, whether you're aspiring writer or an accomplished author or
simply enjoy writing as a hobby. There is no requirement for you to have
been previously published or even to have an intention to publish.

I'm a poet / playwright / other writer. Is this retreat for me?

The retreat is open to anyone who enjoys writing. Instruction
will focus on narrative writing; i.e., stories, whether fiction or memoir. But
if you’re an essayist or poet or whatever, you’re entirely welcome.

Should I bring my work in progress?

Yes, if you have an on-going writing project, bring it with you!
If you’re not currently working on anything, don’t worry, we’ll get you
writing.
Should I bring my laptop?

Yes, if you prefer to work on your laptop. During the day, we’ll
have use of tables by power outlets in the dining room for writing. If you
prefer to work on paper bring that.

If
you want to arrive early and stay longer, that is fine. Just arrange it with
the resort. There is plenty to see and do in the park, and Arowhon Pines is a
lovely place to base from. Arowhon will
keep the same rate throughout your stay.

Can I bring my spouse (or partner or friend)?

Certainly. Just let them know you’ll be spending most of your
time writing, (though you will have some free time every day), and make sure
they enjoy superb food, the beauty of the fall woods, and relaxing on the deck
or the dock or out on a canoe as they glide past a moose munching on water
lilies….

Brian Henry has been a book editor, writer, and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He teaches creative writing at Ryerson University. He also leads weekly creative writing courses in Burlington, Mississauga, Oakville and Georgetown and conducts Saturday workshops throughout Ontario. His proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.